December 11, 2024 – Due to dangerous air pollution, Iran has announced the closure of all governmental offices, universities, and schools in Tehran for two days, with the closures scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday. State TV reported that the worsening pollution has prompted this decision, affecting the capital, which houses over 10 million people.
Earlier this week, elementary schools and kindergartens were closed, but the government has now expanded the closures to all educational institutions and public offices. Schools will continue their activities online during this period.
Essential services, such as banks, healthcare centers, and public services, will remain operational. Additionally, schools and universities in the Alborz and Isfahan provinces will also close for the same period.
Tehran’s air quality has been ranked among the worst in the world, primarily due to heavy traffic, factory emissions, and seasonal weather patterns. The city’s location, surrounded by hills and mountains, traps pollutants, exacerbating the issue during colder months with stagnant air. Authorities have advised vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and those with health conditions to take precautions.
In the past, Iran has responded to similar pollution crises with temporary closures, including in July 2022 when a sandstorm led to widespread disruptions.
